Our Extension program Southwest trip was absolutely amazing. I went to many places, such as Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Flagstaff. In each place, I did many enjoyable learning things, experienced some things for the first time, and I was impressed by visiting the same age students. This trip became a precious memory in my life and I want to tell about this wonderful trip to my family and friends. I definitely will not forget these experiences. There are especially three exciting things that impressed me.
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| University of New Mexico |
First, I enjoyed talking with the University of New Mexico students. They were learning Japanese, so we used Japanese and English to talk about ourselves. I was impressed with their attitude about learning Japanese, so I thought I have to learn English harder and harder, like them. My partner’s major is anatomy, but he likes language, so he wants to change his major from anatomy to linguistics. I was surprised and respect him because he is younger than me, but he has some clear goals at university. I also exchanged my LINE account with him, and now, I keep in touch with him. He teaches me correct English in the messages. I appreciate this and I also teach him Japanese. It’s a good opportunity for me. Surprisingly, he will come to Japan next fall semester. I can meet him again and I’m looking forward to it. I believed the University of New Mexico students are energetic and their learning attitudes are amazing.
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| Georgia O'Keeffe's Arts |
Second, I was impressed with Georgia O’Keeffe museum. I like painting, especially flowers, and I also like dark colors, such as black and gray. Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings use many dark colors and she draws m
any flowers, so I love her paintings. I also like her ideas. Her messages made me a big impression. For example, she said “When I was born and where and how I have lived is unimportant. It is what I have done with where I have been that should be of inte
rest.” Sometimes I am worried about my situations. For instance, if I had been born and had grown up in another country where English was spoken, I could be speaking English fluently, now and I can live in the world easier than now. Or if I had been born before I was born, I could have received a better education than now. However, it’s not important in my life and important things are how I enjoy in my life now. I noticed this idea and I respect her life. I was impressed by her paintings and her words.
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| Sunrise of the Grand Canyon |
Third, the Grand Canyon was my favorite part in this trip. Of course, I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon. I was really looking forward to going and seeing there and I really enjoyed our free day. It was full of thrills because of the cliffs of dazzling height and I loved it there. I thought the sky was closer than usual, and at night, the stars were so beautiful. I won’t forget it. I also believe the sunrise was absolutely fantastic. I have never seen it in my life, so I was happy to see it. However, in the morning at the Grand Canyon, it was really cold, so I want to go there when it is warmer the next time. I also took many pictures and talked with people from other countries. It was a good opportunity to speak English with native people. Sometimes, their talking was difficult for me, but I could understand easier than last semester. I was so happy about it. I experienced sunrise for the first time in my life and I want to go there again.
In conclusion, this Southwest trip had a lot of enjoyable things and I was impressed by people and nature. I especially liked the University of New Mexico’s students, Georgia O’Keeffe’s pai
ntings, and the view of Grand Canyon. These things became my precious memories and I want to talk and share with my family and friends.
